I don’t want to comment on this game. I am no expert, just a fan who loves to watch games so brilliant, full of physical power, mental strength and great intelligence, simply more than just a sport. Those who want to read more about it find a good comment on the blog of »The Science of Sport«.
The following is a quote from Nadal’s coach and uncle, Toni, taken from a Time Magazine article:
“Federer is too good. Rafael must play like himself, but better, less spin, quicker points.” But how can Federer be too good when Rafael is ranked No. 1? “There is a difference between who is better and who knows more,” says Toni. “Better now is Rafael, he is No. 1 in the ranking. But who has the best game? Federer.”
I think one can learn from this attitude, it is wise, it is intelligent and open-minded. It reveals something about the thinking and planning that has gone into how a player with »inferior« ability has climbed to surpass the apparently better player, a genuine quote that implies that Nadal has worked out his strengths, Federer’s weakness and he’s gone about working out the game specifically to win.
For this reason it was such a painful loss for Roger Federer. It was more than just loosing a game. It will be interesting to see how he is going to respond to this defeat. It will be tough, especially tough, because it is the French Open, since long the domain of Rafa, that is the next tournament about to come.
